Dessert

Apple Spice Poke Cake Recipe

ByNaomi Fletcher December 21, 2025December 21, 2025

Introduction

This Apple Spice Poke Cake is a delightful twist on classic spice cake, featuring moist layers infused with apple pie filling and creamy vanilla pudding. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert perfect for cozy gatherings or any time you want a comforting treat.

A square piece of light brown cake with a soft, moist texture sits on a white plate. It has a thick, fluffy white cream layer on top, decorated with a crisscross pattern of light brown caramel drizzle and sprinkled with small chopped nuts. Behind the cake, part of the rest of the cake in a white baking dish can be seen, showing the same caramel drizzle. A green apple adds a fresh touch in the background on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 15.25 oz box Spice Cake mix
3 eggs
1 cup water
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 20 oz can apple pie filling
1 1 oz box vanilla pudding mix
1 cup milk
8 ounces whipped topping, thawed
Caramel sauce, for topping
Sundae nuts, for topping

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the spice cake mix, eggs, water, and vegetable oil. Use a hand mixer to blend until the batter is smooth.
Step 2: Pour the batter into a lightly sprayed 9×13 inch baking pan. Bake at the temperature specified on the cake mix box for 26 to 29 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 3: Let the cake cool completely. Meanwhile, combine the apple pie filling, vanilla pudding mix, and milk in a blender. Blend until the apples are liquified and the mixture is smooth.
Step 4: Using the end of a wooden spoon, poke holes evenly all over the cooled cake. Pour the apple pudding mixture over the cake, spreading it gently to fill the holes.
Step 5: Top the cake with whipped topping, drizzle caramel sauce over it, and sprinkle with chopped sundae nuts before serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cake batter before baking.
Substitute the sundae nuts with chopped pecans or walnuts for varied texture.
Use fresh apple pieces blended with the pudding mix if you prefer a fresher apple taste.
Chill the completed cake in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours before serving for better set and flavor.

Storage

Store the Apple Spice Poke Cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to keep it fresh. Reheat individual slices briefly in the microwave if desired, but it is delicious served cold as well.

How to Serve

A close-up image shows a square slice of cake on a white plate with ridged edges, placed on a woven mat over a white marbled surface. The cake has two main layers: a thick, light brown moist cake layer at the bottom with a spongy texture, sitting beneath a thick, fluffy white frosting layer. On top of the frosting is a crisscross drizzle of shiny caramel sauce and small pieces of chopped nuts scattered evenly. In the background, there is a green apple and the remaining cake in a metal pan with the same caramel drizzle, all against the white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use homemade apple pie filling instead of canned?

Yes, homemade apple pie filling works wonderfully and adds a fresh flavor. Just be sure to blend it smooth with the pudding mix and milk to fill the cake holes properly.